“I cannot argue this question with you, mother, lest we should not agree,” said the son, gently.  “It is a pity that as a family our interests are so divided; but others have placed their interests against kith and kin, and, if duty called, I should have to do the same.  I own that at present I shrink from the call, as the forces seem concentrated near my sister Annie’s home.  I wish she would come north, but that cannot be expected while her husband is in danger.  He has command of an important position, but Sherman is sure to dislodge him, and I fear the result will be disastrous.  But I see you have something else in your mind at present, so what is it that you wish me to do, mother?”

“I want you to leave the country, Clarence.  I cannot bear the thought of you being drafted to fight against my home and people, and your own natural affections should cry out against uniting with the slayers of your kindred.”

“Oh! this cruel, cruel war!” cried the son’s wife.  “We are indeed a divided family, for my brother is with Sherman near Atalanta, fighting against my husband’s people.  Oh!  Clarence, do as your mother wishes, and let us leave the country, for my heart will break if you are drafted!”

“You must leave at once, if at all,” said the mother; “even a week’s delay may be too late, for the neighbors boast that before the month is out I shall see my son march away to Washington!  I would give every dollar we possess to help the southern cause, if what they threaten should come to pass!” she added, in an angry tone.

“Well, mother,” replied the son with a smile, “my patrimony is too precious to run such a risk, and as I am not very anxious to shoot anyone, or be shot at either, I will do as you wish, and let you live in peace.  I feel confident that a few months will end the struggle, or my decision would be different; but where do you wish me to go?”

“Go!” her countenance softening at once.  “You can decide that for yourself; as long as you are out of the reach of the Unionists, that is all I ask.  So, go to Halifax, if you like!”

“Very well, mother, to Halifax I’ll go, but you do not seem to have the welfare of your only son very much to heart, after all, by the way you speak.”

“Nonsense!  Clarence, you know my heart better than that!  I mean that it matters little where you settle, so long as you are out of American territory until the war is over.”

“Oh!  Halifax will suit me very well, mother.  Ever since I can remember you have threatened to send me to Halifax; so now I’ll go, and I do not believe I shall find it a place of torment either.  Nelson, who was in partnership with me when I was in Augusta, has moved his family there, and I may join him again in business.  He is buying up horses and sending them to headquarters.  What! you surely would not object to me making some money out of the Unionists?” he asked, in answer to his mother’s quick look of surprise.